Q&A: Difference Between Opening a Can with a Can Opener or with a Pull Tab
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Difference Between Opening a Can with a Can Opener or with a Pull Tab
Question
Have a good week,
I would appreciate a halakhic clarification regarding opening cans on the Sabbath.
- Is there any difference between opening a can with a regular manual can opener and opening it by means of a pull tab?
- Is there any difference between the various kinds of manual can openers with respect to the Sabbath?
Answer
In my opinion it is permitted. There is no making of a utensil here, because this is for one-time use. I do not see any difference between the different ways of opening it.
Discussion on Answer
A. It is possible that there it really was not one-time use.
B. With a toothpick, that is its normal use—one-time use.
C. With a can, there is not even a one-time utensil use. It does not serve as a designated utensil even for that one time.
When one takes a toothpick from wood, which is forbidden, does the Rabbi understand that as not one-time use?